Tuesday, January 15, 2013

“Someone MUCH more important, Anya,” Drew continued, as he pulled her away from his friend, “is Mitchell Charles Carrow. Your benefactor—not to mention mine,” he added with a smile.

The master of the household stood at the head of the table like a king greeting his new guest. Like his older son he had jet black hair, but the brilliant blue eyes of his younger son were beaming from his kind face. He walked gracefully around the corner of the table and bowed dramatically. “Don’t listen to either of these silly boys, Miss Anya. It’s a pleasure to welcome you and Gregori into my home. I’m so happy that Myles will have a friend to keep him company. Drew’s friendship did wonders for Max, and I’m sure that Myles and Gregori will become the best of friends.”

Anya curtsied before the master of the house. “I can’t thank you enough for your kindness, Mr. Carrow.”

“No need.” The elegant man smiled back. “Drew tells me you’re an excellent tutor and a fine young woman. Myles will be lucky to have someone like you lead him into manhood.”

Anya shivered, praying that she would live up to his high expectations. “I think Mr. Parrish may have talked me up a bit too much. I would hate to fail you, sir.”

The younger Carrow male let out a laugh beside Drew. “Don’t worry. The Irish are known for their exaggeration. We don’t expect you to sit atop the pedestal he’s placed you on.”

Anya nodded, trying to understand the meaning of the young master’s words.